Bachelor in Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse (Bachelor's)

Tuition is Tuition is fully covered for all admitted students through Berea College’s unique work-study model, with no student loans required..

This programme is designed for students with limited economic resources who are preparing for professional nursing practice. It focuses on clinical training and academic study in a residential college setting. Students engage in hands-on learning with faculty mentors in medical-surgical and other clinical environments. The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with real-world healthcare experiences.

The programme requires 120 credits, including general education, nursing core courses, and clinical practicum hours. Students complete a full sequence of nursing coursework over four years with structured clinical rotations.

Graduates enter roles as registered nurses in hospitals, outpatient clinics, public health departments, and other healthcare settings.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Required documents include transcripts, a personal statement, and two letters of recommendation. The college uses a holistic review process for admission.

The programme totals about 120 credit hours. On-campus, full-time, four-year programme. For international students, tuition is well above the median for US programmes. The institution admits about 33% of applicants.

Berea College, founded in 1855 in Berea, Kentucky, is a private liberal arts work college with a distinguished history of access and inclusion. Known as the first coeducational and racially integrated college in the Southern United States, Berea enrolls roughly 1,652 students and emphasizes close faculty mentorship, small classes, and deep connections to regional culture. The campus experience blends rigorous academics with community engagement and a strong commitment to experiential learning.

Academically, Berea offers about 25 undergraduate programs supported by faculty active in teaching, research, and public scholarship. The college is nationally recognized for its service-learning model and its collections documenting Southern Appalachian history and music. Every student receives a Tuition Promise Scholarship so tuition is covered, and the federally recognized work college model hires students on campus, enabling many graduates to leave with little or no student debt while gaining valuable professional skills.

For international students seeking an affordable, values-driven liberal arts education, Berea provides personalized support, opportunities for internships and study abroad, and a collaborative community focused on social responsibility. Admissions prioritize academic promise and a willingness to contribute to campus life through work and service. Berea is a strong fit for students who want rigorous classroom learning combined with hands-on experience and a mission-oriented environment that supports career readiness and civic engagement.